Using the Ground Effect for transportation?

The Russian Navy tested the concept during the cold war: the Ground Effect or more precisely the Wing in Ground effect in this case is a reduction in drag and lift requirements from a vehicle (an plane/speedboat hybrid here) when it’s flying at only a few yards from the ground/sea level, resulting in a more efficient use of energy.

This Focus 21 ship design could carry 15 passengers at most. We’re not sure aboutits commercial viability, or how it might work in bad weather…